How Jets' Viggo Bjorck draft pick is a steal despite how small he is

How Jets’ Viggo Bjorck draft pick is a steal despite how small he is originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Winnipeg Jets had plenty of tantalizing options available to them at the No. 8 overall pick in Friday’s NHL Draft first round.

They used that spot to select Viggo Bjorck, a tiny Swedish center.

And despite his size, Bjorck might be a steal.

MORE: What the Gavin McKenna pick means for the Maple Leafs

Viggo Bjorck height, weight

He checks in at 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds.

Yep, that’s small, both in height but maybe even more in weight.

Despite that, Bjorck was the first-line center for the Swedish senior national team at the World Championships in May.

MORE: Now comes the tricky part for the Canucks and Caleb Malhotra

The positive of picking Viggo Bjorck

Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin is a big fan:

“Björck was held in high regard by scouts heading into his draft year, but he gained momentum throughout this season and rose rapidly up boards. He’s just 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, but he plays with such a fearless intensity that he can go toe to toe with larger opponents regularly. Björck is a playmaker known for making his linemates better and facilitating power plays. He also has a deceptively dangerous shot. His high hockey IQ gives him a maturity beyond his years.”

The Jets weren’t in a position to draft for need. They needed best available.

Bjorck has a chance to outperform this slot. The first center drafted was Caleb Malhotra to the Canucks at No. 3, but Bjorck could outdo him. His size might just be some numbers.

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